U-Haul Holding Co.® graciously accepted the honor of ringing in Memorial Day weekend on Friday, May 22, presiding over the New York Stock Exchange’s closing bell ceremony.
Sebastien Reyes, President of A&M Associates, the advertising and marketing wing of U-Haul (NYSE: UHAL), did the honors and provided a patriotic address on residential mobility, freedom and veteran appreciation to onlookers at the historic Exchange in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan.
Read Reyes’ remarks here:
“It is an honor to stand here at the New York Stock Exchange — an enduring symbol of American enterprise, ambition, and the promise of opportunity.
“For over 80 years, U-Haul has served millions of people as they set out in search of a better life —families moving toward new beginnings, chasing possibility, and building something of their own.
A new job. A fresh start. A future they believe in.“The U-Haul story began with a simple but powerful idea: that every person should have the freedom to move — toward opportunity, hope and a future they choose.
“Prosperity. Mobility. Freedom.
“These are not just ideals. They are deeply connected. Without freedom, there is no mobility. Without mobility, there is no path to prosperity.
“But freedom is not accidental. It is defended. It is preserved by the courage and sacrifice of men and women who choose to serve something greater than themselves.
“So, while today marks the beginning of moving season, a season in which half of the moves in America will occur between now and Labor Day, we pause for a much more fundamental reason.
“On Memorial Day, we remember those who did not come home.
“We remember the families who carry that sacrifice forward every day, not just on Memorial Day — the mothers, the fathers, the sons, the daughters, the brothers, the sisters.
“I want to take a moment to honor one hero in particular: Navy SEAL Tyler J. Connely, and his mother, my friend, Gold Star Mother Kathryn Cross, who organized us today.
“Their sacrifice — and the sacrifice of so many others — is not just part of our history. It is the foundation of our freedom.
“On behalf of more than 30,000 U-Haul Team Members across North America, we stand in gratitude. We stand in remembrance. And we stand committed to honoring the lives and legacies of those who gave everything.
“May God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.”
Founded in 1945 by a WWII Navy veteran and his wife, many of the first U-Haul Team Members, local dealers, and customers were veterans returning home from the war, looking to move their families to a better life.
U-Haul understands the immense value and character of our military members, recruiting veterans and giving them preference in the hiring process. The Company also designates a significant portion of its Community Relations funds for efforts that honor veterans and nonprofits that support veteran causes. Learn more at uhaul.com/about/veterans.
Interested in joining Team U-Haul? Search careers and part-time jobs near you at uhauljobs.com.
Photo credit: New York Stock Exchange
